Post by shannonb on Apr 29, 2010 6:38:11 GMT -5

Sorry to flood the board with so many questions....but I'm so excited I found this place - finally actual goat people to answer my dumb questions.

Yogurt.....I feed yogurt to my chickens when I feel they need a boost. I just saw on another post in the health section that someone suggested yogurt for a sick goat. I figured since my new little ones have to be a little stressed being away from the only home and mom they have ever known to their new place....maybe a little yogurt might help. They seem very very healthy, but there's got to be some stress there.

Do goats eat yogurt without it them having to have it drenched or what? I found these little ones don't have a taste for much except the goat chow....which they don't get very much of because it's so sweet, and of course grass hay and water. Would yogurt be a good idea - and do I use the plain yogurt like I do for the chickens?

Post by Rose's Goats on Apr 29, 2010 12:53:30 GMT -5

Yogurt is good to give goats when they need a boost. Be sure it is "live active" yogurt because this will help the bacteria in their rumens. Some goats like plain yogurt by the spoonful, some like the flavored stuff. Some goats hate yogurt! I would try mixing it with grain or giving some flavored stuff if you really think they need some.

Another product that works better in a stress/sick situation is Probios. It has many more types of bacteria in it than straight yogurt and should be given at any time you change feed, or a goat looks ill. It can be bought at the feed store. The cow kind works fine for goats.

Post by shannonb on Apr 30, 2010 6:33:07 GMT -5

Thank you, you've been very helpful.

I think I'm overthinking this whole goat thing, and just start treating them like any other new animal I've ever had. I don't know why I'm so paranoid about them....I work at a feed store and am a vet tech (for small animals)....you would think I'd be a little more "confident" in my goat venture. Thanks for your help!

Post by garysfarmer on May 2, 2010 12:59:33 GMT -5

Ask as many questions as you would like.

The more you read and find out about goats the more paranoid you will become. Continue reading and you will begin to calm down. I've been through it myself. I will also use probios if I hear one of my goats grinding it's teeth.

One thing about goats is you must check them out every day. If the right disease gets ahold of them they may not have much time, I'm talking just a few days.

I have found Goatwisdom to be a great place as well. It's a good place to interact with others. And you're right, there's a lot of folks out there with good intentions who "think" they know something about goats because they've dealt with cows or such.You'll find the right crowd here at goatwisdom.

If I or no one else has said it then - Welcome to Goat Wisdom! Ask questions and share experiences all is welcomed.

Post by plus521 on Sept 23, 2010 8:26:52 GMT -5

Wow...the stuff you learn from message boards...I never thought in a million years, yogurt would be a food for goats, never mind chickens..lol...So I just went outside and to give my goats and chickens some...The goats only about 3 months, turned up their noses, actually sneezed at it..ha, and the chickens loved it! Thanks!!